CAUCASUS COVERED
I honestly don’t know where to start writing for this trip.
All I know is that, staying in Dubai on my days off for more than 2 days this summertime is excruciating. The thought jumped in last May when I had 4 days off and did absolutely nothing other than staycations and being with friends. So, I went over for the next best month to travel and the perfect month was August.
Surprisingly, there were a few vlogs about Azerbaijan that made me more curious and most information was written by other nationalities. To my mind, I have heard of Filipinos traveling in Baku but hasn’t documented it. In addition, it has been years that I traveled solo and probably, it is time to sharpen the saw again.
All I know is that, staying in Dubai on my days off for more than 2 days this summertime is excruciating. The thought jumped in last May when I had 4 days off and did absolutely nothing other than staycations and being with friends. So, I went over for the next best month to travel and the perfect month was August.
Surprisingly, there were a few vlogs about Azerbaijan that made me more curious and most information was written by other nationalities. To my mind, I have heard of Filipinos traveling in Baku but hasn’t documented it. In addition, it has been years that I traveled solo and probably, it is time to sharpen the saw again.
August 20.
A 3-day straight of morning shifts must’ve been painful but my colleagues have been supportive. Honestly, I haven’t packed by bag yet and had to do it in an hour since I had to commute and did I mention that I was not that thrilled yet? With a little information with their conflict with Armenia and my recent travel (February 2022) made me think less about my E-Visa though travelers said not to worry.
Though my flight departs at 0600H in Abu Dhabi, I rode a bus from Al Ghubaiba (Dubai) which costs 25AED that lasted 2 hours. From Al Wahda Bus Station (Abu Dhabi), I took the H1 Bus to the Airport that amounting to 4AED.
This might not be the first to fly from Abu Dhabi but this is the first leisure travel (without fast-track passes and VIP rooms) from this terminal thus, I was not that oriented with their terminals so I went in a gate for Flight Attendants and Pilots without being blocked until I realized that it was not the right one so I went out and found my way to the appropriate gate.
A 3-day straight of morning shifts must’ve been painful but my colleagues have been supportive. Honestly, I haven’t packed by bag yet and had to do it in an hour since I had to commute and did I mention that I was not that thrilled yet? With a little information with their conflict with Armenia and my recent travel (February 2022) made me think less about my E-Visa though travelers said not to worry.
Though my flight departs at 0600H in Abu Dhabi, I rode a bus from Al Ghubaiba (Dubai) which costs 25AED that lasted 2 hours. From Al Wahda Bus Station (Abu Dhabi), I took the H1 Bus to the Airport that amounting to 4AED.
This might not be the first to fly from Abu Dhabi but this is the first leisure travel (without fast-track passes and VIP rooms) from this terminal thus, I was not that oriented with their terminals so I went in a gate for Flight Attendants and Pilots without being blocked until I realized that it was not the right one so I went out and found my way to the appropriate gate.
August 21.
It was already half past 0300H that I found the gate for Wizzair with a long queue but since I didn’t have any check in baggage, the process was smooth except of the airline’s fine print (*). I personally didn’t mind given that I was too busy enough to open my mails and it was already too late when I read it on the bus.
*Unlike any other airlines, they will send an email for online check in and you must click on that link and check in at least 48 to 3 hours before your flight. Failed to do so will cost you 160AED.
Abu Dhabi International Airport is rather quaint yet equipped with libraries, coffee shops and duty free. I was actually unsure why the flight got delayed for 30 minutes but it didn’t matter knowing that I will soon be away from the UAE summer heat.
P.S. The ground crew free-handedly gave me an empty row though the plane was almost full.
The plane landed at 0930H and we were directed to the visa area efficiently. As UAE residents, we are entitled for an E-Visa upon arrival that cost $30. Firstly, one has to do a personal check with an officer then he will direct you to the e-visa machine that accepts card or cash, I paid the latter, then walk towards the immigration lane and straight out the terminal. I was curious of the food court that I went to the second floor of the airport and saw McDonald’s with some coffee shops. The freshness of the vegetables from McDonald’s is fresher from the ones in UAE, or am I being bias. Munching on these treats while people watching made time went faster that it was already 1300H so I left and looked for the coach bus to the city that terminates in May 28 Street and get another bus (125) going to the Old City since my Hotel is inside it. **
**You can basically walk from May 28 Street to wherever if you have enough stamina and dexterity but for me who doesn’t have any decent sleep for 24 hours, vehicles are my best friend.
It was already half past 0300H that I found the gate for Wizzair with a long queue but since I didn’t have any check in baggage, the process was smooth except of the airline’s fine print (*). I personally didn’t mind given that I was too busy enough to open my mails and it was already too late when I read it on the bus.
*Unlike any other airlines, they will send an email for online check in and you must click on that link and check in at least 48 to 3 hours before your flight. Failed to do so will cost you 160AED.
Abu Dhabi International Airport is rather quaint yet equipped with libraries, coffee shops and duty free. I was actually unsure why the flight got delayed for 30 minutes but it didn’t matter knowing that I will soon be away from the UAE summer heat.
P.S. The ground crew free-handedly gave me an empty row though the plane was almost full.
The plane landed at 0930H and we were directed to the visa area efficiently. As UAE residents, we are entitled for an E-Visa upon arrival that cost $30. Firstly, one has to do a personal check with an officer then he will direct you to the e-visa machine that accepts card or cash, I paid the latter, then walk towards the immigration lane and straight out the terminal. I was curious of the food court that I went to the second floor of the airport and saw McDonald’s with some coffee shops. The freshness of the vegetables from McDonald’s is fresher from the ones in UAE, or am I being bias. Munching on these treats while people watching made time went faster that it was already 1300H so I left and looked for the coach bus to the city that terminates in May 28 Street and get another bus (125) going to the Old City since my Hotel is inside it. **
**You can basically walk from May 28 Street to wherever if you have enough stamina and dexterity but for me who doesn’t have any decent sleep for 24 hours, vehicles are my best friend.
I alighted at the Fəvvarə parkı and walked for more than a kilometer to Maksim Family Hotel.
Apparently, they have 2 separate buildings in roughly 500-meter distance and I was fortunately assigned to the VIP building and greeted by 2 lovely ladies. The other spoke fair English and the other was nice and tried to communicate well. One guided me to my room and showed me the restaurant. A great view overlooking the Caspian Sea and the Flame Towers on the right and the aesthetic Crescent Hotel. Though the hotel is not easy to be found, I am grateful to see such good view and to be walking along the streets of the Old City every day.
I took a short nap as I settled and woke up at 1700H and prepped up to see the city. I basically do not know where to go so I just followed the maze-like path leading me to the Philharmonia Garden then walked to the Metro (Icherisheher) and grabbed some Qutab (a traditional Azerbaijani snack made with flatbread with meat filling) and water. I continued walking to where my feet led me and found myself at the funicular. Probably the queue hindered me from waiting that I challenged myself to walk up to the Highland Park. I seriously got my much-needed workout with those inclined stairs and altitude but still thankful for the good weather and great view. Though tourist-filled, each has its space and it is even more breath-taking to see the sun setting at the back of the Flame Towers overlooking the Caspian Sea, turning the charming city by day filled with romantic city lights.
I coincidentally met a Korean who currently has an internship in Baku under KOICA named SeoJi. As the moon rose, we agreed to go back to the city together and picked a random restaurant near the Carpet Museum beside the Little Venice and chose Sadaf Restaurant where we had Beef with Rice/Vegetables and Azer Tea. They had good choice of meats paired with live Azerbaijani Music that we basically lost track of time that made us leave at 2330H and headed home separately.
P.S. Crossing the street can be a challenge as the cars don’t usually slow down (My bad, I was jaywalking: teehee:)
Time check: Midnight
I was lost for 15-30 minutes finding my hotel around the Old City. Luckily, there were policemen in every few kilometers and guided me. On a brighter side, it feels secure and clean but I know I must be insane to feel safe in this wee hour. Probably I was imagining to be in Anne Rice’s novels that Lestat will pop out somewhere.
Apparently, they have 2 separate buildings in roughly 500-meter distance and I was fortunately assigned to the VIP building and greeted by 2 lovely ladies. The other spoke fair English and the other was nice and tried to communicate well. One guided me to my room and showed me the restaurant. A great view overlooking the Caspian Sea and the Flame Towers on the right and the aesthetic Crescent Hotel. Though the hotel is not easy to be found, I am grateful to see such good view and to be walking along the streets of the Old City every day.
I took a short nap as I settled and woke up at 1700H and prepped up to see the city. I basically do not know where to go so I just followed the maze-like path leading me to the Philharmonia Garden then walked to the Metro (Icherisheher) and grabbed some Qutab (a traditional Azerbaijani snack made with flatbread with meat filling) and water. I continued walking to where my feet led me and found myself at the funicular. Probably the queue hindered me from waiting that I challenged myself to walk up to the Highland Park. I seriously got my much-needed workout with those inclined stairs and altitude but still thankful for the good weather and great view. Though tourist-filled, each has its space and it is even more breath-taking to see the sun setting at the back of the Flame Towers overlooking the Caspian Sea, turning the charming city by day filled with romantic city lights.
I coincidentally met a Korean who currently has an internship in Baku under KOICA named SeoJi. As the moon rose, we agreed to go back to the city together and picked a random restaurant near the Carpet Museum beside the Little Venice and chose Sadaf Restaurant where we had Beef with Rice/Vegetables and Azer Tea. They had good choice of meats paired with live Azerbaijani Music that we basically lost track of time that made us leave at 2330H and headed home separately.
P.S. Crossing the street can be a challenge as the cars don’t usually slow down (My bad, I was jaywalking: teehee:)
Time check: Midnight
I was lost for 15-30 minutes finding my hotel around the Old City. Luckily, there were policemen in every few kilometers and guided me. On a brighter side, it feels secure and clean but I know I must be insane to feel safe in this wee hour. Probably I was imagining to be in Anne Rice’s novels that Lestat will pop out somewhere.
August 22.
0730H. I still haven’t recovered from my sored gastrocnemius but I need to wake up since I signed up for a full day tour to Gabala. Since the pick-up time is at 0830H, I had to secure my tummy by enjoying breakfast with a lovely view. The breakfast was well-laid with a balance of protein, vegetables and fruits with jams, cheese and sweets paired with the delightful Azerbaijan tea. Luckily, I was right on track and met the lovely tour guide, Mama Gulshan and the driver, Baba Irshan. Another staff also coordinated under Tes Tours and how can I forget Kuya Rovshan that I inquired initially after being recommended by another traveler in a social media page.
Why Gabala? I simply do not know. I just followed my instinct and chose Gabala since it lasts for a day and I think it’ll be worth my day. Whatever lies there is unknown to me as long as I have a full tummy. But there’s just one tiny concern, I only have a few Manats but have USDs for the trip. Thankfully, Mama Gulshan said I can have it changed in a hotel in Gabala.
With me are fellow travelers from Pakistan and Bahrain, together, we were five solo travelers. One was kind enough to lend me some cash for the tour cost and paid him after I got my cash changed.
According to the guide, it’s a 3–4-hour drive to Gabala so we stopped by a supermarket and bought some refreshments. I was impressed of how the guide offered local shops rather than chained restaurants or overpriced cafés as others do. An hour after, I saw some signs going to Ateshgah and Gobustan (tours are offered here as the Fire Temple is located here). I planned on seeing the site a day after but I might not bare the heat anymore. Either way, I am lucky to see the ash from the hills and even the smoke from the mountains.
Mama Gulshan talked about Juma Mosque in Shamakhi that was found in 743-744 and is considered as the first mosque within the Caucasus. Tourists can roam around the area from 10am-6pm and ladies are provided with long skirts and head covers. My eyes directed to the gardens with a pond in front of the mosque and ruins of pillars unfazed, another sight to see. Shoes must be removed in entering the main hall and even though it is still being reconstructed, it is still aesthetically pleasing and the solemnity has been preserved. The reconstruction started in the year 2013 and though tourists flock here, it is also a functioning mosque where Muslims still pray on time.
0730H. I still haven’t recovered from my sored gastrocnemius but I need to wake up since I signed up for a full day tour to Gabala. Since the pick-up time is at 0830H, I had to secure my tummy by enjoying breakfast with a lovely view. The breakfast was well-laid with a balance of protein, vegetables and fruits with jams, cheese and sweets paired with the delightful Azerbaijan tea. Luckily, I was right on track and met the lovely tour guide, Mama Gulshan and the driver, Baba Irshan. Another staff also coordinated under Tes Tours and how can I forget Kuya Rovshan that I inquired initially after being recommended by another traveler in a social media page.
Why Gabala? I simply do not know. I just followed my instinct and chose Gabala since it lasts for a day and I think it’ll be worth my day. Whatever lies there is unknown to me as long as I have a full tummy. But there’s just one tiny concern, I only have a few Manats but have USDs for the trip. Thankfully, Mama Gulshan said I can have it changed in a hotel in Gabala.
With me are fellow travelers from Pakistan and Bahrain, together, we were five solo travelers. One was kind enough to lend me some cash for the tour cost and paid him after I got my cash changed.
According to the guide, it’s a 3–4-hour drive to Gabala so we stopped by a supermarket and bought some refreshments. I was impressed of how the guide offered local shops rather than chained restaurants or overpriced cafés as others do. An hour after, I saw some signs going to Ateshgah and Gobustan (tours are offered here as the Fire Temple is located here). I planned on seeing the site a day after but I might not bare the heat anymore. Either way, I am lucky to see the ash from the hills and even the smoke from the mountains.
Mama Gulshan talked about Juma Mosque in Shamakhi that was found in 743-744 and is considered as the first mosque within the Caucasus. Tourists can roam around the area from 10am-6pm and ladies are provided with long skirts and head covers. My eyes directed to the gardens with a pond in front of the mosque and ruins of pillars unfazed, another sight to see. Shoes must be removed in entering the main hall and even though it is still being reconstructed, it is still aesthetically pleasing and the solemnity has been preserved. The reconstruction started in the year 2013 and though tourists flock here, it is also a functioning mosque where Muslims still pray on time.
Another hour, another town. Ismayilli Rayon is famed for its Suspension Bridge that costs 2 Manat for the experience but helps the villagers so why not? Probably the water has run dry that it didn’t look as terrifying as the other bridges but people who has acrophobia might take heed.
After that, we stopped by at a mountain resort named Orman’s which means forest for lunch. The hearty lunch costs 25 Manat which is composed of a bowl of lentil soup, bread, kebabs both chicken and beef and salads with rose water that satiated our tummy. Next on the list is the Tufandag Mountain Resort where we rode a cable car for 16 Manat each on a roundtrip ride reaching 1920 MASL. I was surprised of the foreign exchange machine by Kapital Bank that exchanges by the current rates. I heard from the airport officers that it is the most reliable bank for currency exchange and it didn’t disappoint!
I’m pretty sure it’s as charming in winter with its landscape and elevation felt as it is in summertime. You may be able to trek freely and do mountain swings for 20 Manat. And as we’re all middle adults who just enjoyed nature, we rested in a restaurant as they drink sodas and I ate gelato for 4 Manat each then came back to the meeting point. A store who sells affordable and good quality assorted honey can be found on the entrance and they let me try it with gusto! Ergo, I bought a box for 25 Manat only.
After that, we stopped by at a mountain resort named Orman’s which means forest for lunch. The hearty lunch costs 25 Manat which is composed of a bowl of lentil soup, bread, kebabs both chicken and beef and salads with rose water that satiated our tummy. Next on the list is the Tufandag Mountain Resort where we rode a cable car for 16 Manat each on a roundtrip ride reaching 1920 MASL. I was surprised of the foreign exchange machine by Kapital Bank that exchanges by the current rates. I heard from the airport officers that it is the most reliable bank for currency exchange and it didn’t disappoint!
I’m pretty sure it’s as charming in winter with its landscape and elevation felt as it is in summertime. You may be able to trek freely and do mountain swings for 20 Manat. And as we’re all middle adults who just enjoyed nature, we rested in a restaurant as they drink sodas and I ate gelato for 4 Manat each then came back to the meeting point. A store who sells affordable and good quality assorted honey can be found on the entrance and they let me try it with gusto! Ergo, I bought a box for 25 Manat only.
Mama Gulshan said we were just on time for our timeline that we snap-shopped for souvenirs and stopped by Gabaland, an amusement park with a lake and you can rent a boat for only 15 Manat. The lake is wide and pretty surrounded by the mountains as the sun sets. Last stop but not the least was the Juma Mosque again for our dear Muslim brothers and sisters’ praying time. Then headed back to Baku where I was dropped off at the Old City at 2200H. I was sincerely craving for shawarma that I went out at 2300H and strolled around the city finding my way to Red Cup Coffee Shop and walked my way to Merkez Lahmacun for my much-needed shawarma. It was already midnight when I checked the time as I was walking along the Fountain Square. Surprisingly, I haven’t been to their famed Nizami Street as I was still overwhelmed with what I am seeing but had to go back to my hotel or I will be lost again. Good thing I had picked up my landmarks and arrived in 15 minutes from the Double Gates.
August 23.
Awakened by the bright sun shining upon my face seeping in between the window curtains, I sighed and said that today is another day. Just one full day left of walking through the streets of Baku not knowing where to start again. I opened the map that was given to me by the airport staff and stared blankly. But one thing is for sure, I have to munch on that scrumptious breakfast spread overlooking the Caspian Sea as I ponder my whereabouts today. Miniature Book Museum, Heydar Aliyev Center and the parks are definitely on my list but I know the Old City is as charming as them. I strolled and took photographs of alleys and buildings as I see pleasant policemen stationed in almost every few kilometers, impressively, the Old City is in its maximum security.
Fortuitously found the Miniature Book Museum as I walked the paved streets and bricked walls, even though it is open, a staff told me that an even is going on inside, so I walked past and went back after a few minutes and the staff let me in though still going on. The museum the only museum of miniature books and is recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records. Impressed of their collections around the world, I am lucky to have seen the descendant of the founder being interviewed. Many thanks to the Chinese-Azerbaijan Community for letting me in that exclusive time. I didn’t mean to pry so I just let myself out as they were filming and went ahead with my DIY tour. Walking past the Palace of the Shirvanshah’s walls and gardens while seeing tourists, some of them thought I was with their group.
Awakened by the bright sun shining upon my face seeping in between the window curtains, I sighed and said that today is another day. Just one full day left of walking through the streets of Baku not knowing where to start again. I opened the map that was given to me by the airport staff and stared blankly. But one thing is for sure, I have to munch on that scrumptious breakfast spread overlooking the Caspian Sea as I ponder my whereabouts today. Miniature Book Museum, Heydar Aliyev Center and the parks are definitely on my list but I know the Old City is as charming as them. I strolled and took photographs of alleys and buildings as I see pleasant policemen stationed in almost every few kilometers, impressively, the Old City is in its maximum security.
Fortuitously found the Miniature Book Museum as I walked the paved streets and bricked walls, even though it is open, a staff told me that an even is going on inside, so I walked past and went back after a few minutes and the staff let me in though still going on. The museum the only museum of miniature books and is recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records. Impressed of their collections around the world, I am lucky to have seen the descendant of the founder being interviewed. Many thanks to the Chinese-Azerbaijan Community for letting me in that exclusive time. I didn’t mean to pry so I just let myself out as they were filming and went ahead with my DIY tour. Walking past the Palace of the Shirvanshah’s walls and gardens while seeing tourists, some of them thought I was with their group.
Seeing the time, I had to go outside the Old City and get a bus to Heydar Aliyev until I was trapped in three alleys. Was I in a TriWizard Tournament? Fortunately, I saw a policeman and asked which is a better way to go but he suggested a better idea. He pointed a shop named FLOORS if I wanted to see a good view of the Palace of the Shirvanshah’s ruins, the Caspian Sea and Flame Towers from its rooftop. I was not hesitant as I was looking for a coffee shop since last night but I couldn’t believe my eyes as I climbed the staircases until the top. The ground floor has its modern and cozy vibe and as you go up the first and second floors, art pieces such as graffiti and abstract designs will greet you. Lastly, the spiral staircase to the rooftop. Though the temperature rose to 30 degrees, I sat on a gutter to have a clear view of the ruins and appreciate the panoramic view of the Caspian Sea to the Flame Towers, such a lucky day for this. Then I went down as reality hit me and was greeted by the lovely receptionist Zina (Mommy), a lovely and hospitable lady who communicates well in many forms. She offered Azer tea with biscuits and crackers and together with Nico and Azim (the policemen), we talked randomly. From family to religion and travel, I had to thank Nico for being the translator for all of us. Another staff came, Valle, the bartender and Maga consecutively, and altogether, talked and listened to music. Language may be an important skill a person can have, but a good and open personality unites people. As much as I wanted to stay and spend time with them, I had to stick to my plan, that is to go to Heydar Aliyev so I bid them goodbye and walked in between those maze-like alleys until I saw another photo spot.
Apparently, somebody saw me taking pictures and offered to have a visit at a museum, surprisingly it was Galateya Restaurant and that somebody I was talking to was MJ, their manager. The restaurant has an indoor garden theme with bricked interiors while the museum is at the second floor above the kitchen. I may not be a fan of realistic dolls but the collections were so beautifully crafted that it is impressively pretty than scary.
I rushed myself going out of the Old City passing by the Maiden Tower and was about to cross the street to the promenade for the bus stop. However, my eyes turned to a beautiful street and walked around as I found a quaint coffee shop called Coffee Go and walked further and found a shawarma place called Shaurma No1 where I sat and had a hefty combo meal with French fries and Ayran. Moving ahead, I hurriedly went back to the promenade to catch the bus. The buses are consistently clean and the people are also friendly.
(I may be mistaken sometimes as Thai, Chinese, Korean or even Uzbek rather than being Filipino but I wouldn’t mind and seeing their faces lighten with amazement as soon as they know)
So, I alighted near the museum and walked for less than a kilometer to reach the top. One thing I know about this travel is… preparing strides like hiking up the mountains. It seems that I have been walking inclined every day though each walk has been rewarding. The iconic building of Heydar Aliyev is pristine white that glistens my eyes overlooking another area of the city. I may not have enough time to go inside as I had an hour left until it closes, but I knew it will be a sight to see. I am a bit surprised to see Kapital Bank’s machine for currency exchange inside the reception area, so I did what I have to do.
(I may be mistaken sometimes as Thai, Chinese, Korean or even Uzbek rather than being Filipino but I wouldn’t mind and seeing their faces lighten with amazement as soon as they know)
So, I alighted near the museum and walked for less than a kilometer to reach the top. One thing I know about this travel is… preparing strides like hiking up the mountains. It seems that I have been walking inclined every day though each walk has been rewarding. The iconic building of Heydar Aliyev is pristine white that glistens my eyes overlooking another area of the city. I may not have enough time to go inside as I had an hour left until it closes, but I knew it will be a sight to see. I am a bit surprised to see Kapital Bank’s machine for currency exchange inside the reception area, so I did what I have to do.
I honestly didn’t know how to go back to the Old City but if the bus works like the ones in Dubai, then I can just follow my footsteps and find a bus stop. And voila! After buying some goods from a local grocery store, and a good bite of ice cream, I walked and found it. The ladies from the bus were trying to talk to me and asked if I know Russian, but good thing another guy volunteered to translate and joined the conversation as we waited to be alighted.
It was already past 1800H when I arrived at that street near the promenade and saw a Starbucks Coffee Shop. Though honestly, I’m not addicted to coffee nor Starbucks but sometimes it can be comforting given that I have a dinner appointment with SeoJi at 1900 which I moved to 1930H at Dolma. So, I went back to the hotel and perked up since I spent long hours under the summer sun and met her afterwards.
I’ve read good reviews about Dolma and it didn’t disappoint. The ambience, service and food are at its finest and alcohol is a plus. After a couple of hours of chitchat, we went to Cay Bagi 145 to have some dessert and Azerbaijan tea. Now, if Dolma’s located in the basement, Cay Bagi 145 is at the top of a building just behind the Maiden Tower.
What a good way to cap the night.
It was already past 1800H when I arrived at that street near the promenade and saw a Starbucks Coffee Shop. Though honestly, I’m not addicted to coffee nor Starbucks but sometimes it can be comforting given that I have a dinner appointment with SeoJi at 1900 which I moved to 1930H at Dolma. So, I went back to the hotel and perked up since I spent long hours under the summer sun and met her afterwards.
I’ve read good reviews about Dolma and it didn’t disappoint. The ambience, service and food are at its finest and alcohol is a plus. After a couple of hours of chitchat, we went to Cay Bagi 145 to have some dessert and Azerbaijan tea. Now, if Dolma’s located in the basement, Cay Bagi 145 is at the top of a building just behind the Maiden Tower.
What a good way to cap the night.
August 24.
As I woke up, I vowed to myself to take the train before I leave AZN. Though the staff was eager to serve me breakfast as early as 0600H, I didn’t want to bother them and ate the remaining shawarma and bread with tea in my room.
I will surely miss that view.
Time was 0630H. Flight departs at 0900H.
I may not know how long will it take me to commute but I know there will be taxis on the streets. So, I walked past the Old City to the Garden and found the metro station. Recharged my card and some fellas helped me with it as well. Just like any other soviet undergrounds, the tunnel is deep and narrow, escalators working with stairs in between. I alighted at Koroglu station and went to the bus station however; the bus will not leave soon so I bought a bread from the street and took a taxi for 10 Manat. Fair enough. I arrived past 0800H at the airport and saw a long queue but everything went smooth and checked in. Apparently, the same thing happened like in Abu Dhabi but I didn’t mind again though they didn’t send any emails. After checking in, I finally bought a chicken burger from McDonalds and went inside the immigration and boarded then departed at 0930H.
Many thanks to Wizzair and the lovely people I met in Azerbaijan.
I wish for a peaceful relationship between Azerbaijan and Armenia in the future.
As I woke up, I vowed to myself to take the train before I leave AZN. Though the staff was eager to serve me breakfast as early as 0600H, I didn’t want to bother them and ate the remaining shawarma and bread with tea in my room.
I will surely miss that view.
Time was 0630H. Flight departs at 0900H.
I may not know how long will it take me to commute but I know there will be taxis on the streets. So, I walked past the Old City to the Garden and found the metro station. Recharged my card and some fellas helped me with it as well. Just like any other soviet undergrounds, the tunnel is deep and narrow, escalators working with stairs in between. I alighted at Koroglu station and went to the bus station however; the bus will not leave soon so I bought a bread from the street and took a taxi for 10 Manat. Fair enough. I arrived past 0800H at the airport and saw a long queue but everything went smooth and checked in. Apparently, the same thing happened like in Abu Dhabi but I didn’t mind again though they didn’t send any emails. After checking in, I finally bought a chicken burger from McDonalds and went inside the immigration and boarded then departed at 0930H.
Many thanks to Wizzair and the lovely people I met in Azerbaijan.
I wish for a peaceful relationship between Azerbaijan and Armenia in the future.
Actual Expenses
1USD=3.69AED
1USD=1.69MANAT
DAY 1
McDo Fish Fillet Combo: 15₼
BakiKard: 5₼
Hotel with Breakfast x 4 Days: 105₼
Qutab + Water (Lavas): 2₼
Dinner (Sadaf Restaurant): 25₼
Total: 152₼
DAY 2
Gabala Tour: 70₼
Snacks: 2₼
Ismayilli Suspension Bridge 2₼
Lunch at Ormans: 25₼
Tufandag Cable Car: 16₼
Tufandag Gelato: 4₼
Gabaland Boat: 5₼
Shawarma: 8₼
Tea: 6₼
Total: 138₼
DAY 3
Shaurma Combo: 9₼
BakiKard recharge: 5₼
Grocery: 12₼
Starbucks: 10₼
Dinner: 23₼
Cay Bagi: 10₼
Total: 69₼
DAY 4
Bread: 0.5₼
Taxi to airport: 10₼
McDonald's Burger: 6₼
Total: 16.5₼
TOTAL EXPENSES:
4-DAY AZN: 375.5₼ (812 AED) + WizzAir RT ticket: 518 AED = 1330AED
P.S.
I didn't include my expenses from Dubai to Abu Dhabi and the missed check-in fee of 160AED since it doesn't apply to all.
Many thanks to Mama Gulshan (+994553581316), Rovshan and Baba Irshan from Tes Tours for an enjoyable and comfortable trip.
This is one of the few group tours that didn't feel being rushed at all. Lucky to be the rose among the thorns of our backpacker group as well.
To the locals who I met in the Old City, the policemen Nico and Azim, Mama Zina, Valle and Maga from FLOORS. MJ from GALATEYA and the hotel staff of MAKSIM HOTEL, everybody was awesome.
Last but not the least SeoJi, great company with good food and drinks.
WE DON'T MEET PEOPLE BY ACCIDENT. THEY ARE MEANT TO CROSS OUR PATH FOR A REASON
1USD=3.69AED
1USD=1.69MANAT
DAY 1
McDo Fish Fillet Combo: 15₼
BakiKard: 5₼
Hotel with Breakfast x 4 Days: 105₼
Qutab + Water (Lavas): 2₼
Dinner (Sadaf Restaurant): 25₼
Total: 152₼
DAY 2
Gabala Tour: 70₼
Snacks: 2₼
Ismayilli Suspension Bridge 2₼
Lunch at Ormans: 25₼
Tufandag Cable Car: 16₼
Tufandag Gelato: 4₼
Gabaland Boat: 5₼
Shawarma: 8₼
Tea: 6₼
Total: 138₼
DAY 3
Shaurma Combo: 9₼
BakiKard recharge: 5₼
Grocery: 12₼
Starbucks: 10₼
Dinner: 23₼
Cay Bagi: 10₼
Total: 69₼
DAY 4
Bread: 0.5₼
Taxi to airport: 10₼
McDonald's Burger: 6₼
Total: 16.5₼
TOTAL EXPENSES:
4-DAY AZN: 375.5₼ (812 AED) + WizzAir RT ticket: 518 AED = 1330AED
P.S.
I didn't include my expenses from Dubai to Abu Dhabi and the missed check-in fee of 160AED since it doesn't apply to all.
Many thanks to Mama Gulshan (+994553581316), Rovshan and Baba Irshan from Tes Tours for an enjoyable and comfortable trip.
This is one of the few group tours that didn't feel being rushed at all. Lucky to be the rose among the thorns of our backpacker group as well.
To the locals who I met in the Old City, the policemen Nico and Azim, Mama Zina, Valle and Maga from FLOORS. MJ from GALATEYA and the hotel staff of MAKSIM HOTEL, everybody was awesome.
Last but not the least SeoJi, great company with good food and drinks.
WE DON'T MEET PEOPLE BY ACCIDENT. THEY ARE MEANT TO CROSS OUR PATH FOR A REASON